A former sergeant with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office pleaded guilty Wednesday to violating the civil rights of an inmate at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center during a 2012 beating. Gary Shine admitted striking a handcuffed inmate with his knee and punching the man in the head, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite's office announced.

Shine admitted the inmate, who suffered bruising from the encounter, posed no threat to himself or any other person, eliminating any legal justification for Shine's use of force.

"The vast majority of our law enforcement officials serve with honor and integrity," Polite said in a written statement released Wednesday. "However, when someone abuses the power and privileges of his office, as Gary Shine did here, he will be held accountable."

Shine faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22.